The Board of Public Works and Safety met in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Council Chamber, 301 East Clinton Street, Frankfort, Indiana. The following action was taken:

Ken Estes called the meeting to order and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Judy Sheets then prayed. Ken Estes, Jim Siegfried, John Large, John Kirby, Troy Bacon, Joel Tatum, Jason Forsythe, Jack Dodd, Les Bergum, and Judy Sheets were present. Mayor Chris McBarnes was absent.

MINUTES: The minutes of the June 28, 2017 regular meeting were presented. Jim Siegfried made the motion to accept the minutes as presented. Ken Estes seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:Mike Kelley, representing the Utility Service Board, spoke to the board regarding the Veteran’s Park. Mike Kelley stated that there are repairs that need to be done, there are security issues that need to be addressed, but there are no revenues to help cover the cost. He invited any Board of Works member, Joel Tatum, Main Street, and the Chamber of Commerce to join a committee to brainstorm solutions.

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Troy Bacon informed the board that the City of Frankfort has been listed as the 59th safest city in Indiana out of 97. Troy Bacon stated that this would not have been possible without the help of an active police department, citizens’ involvement in reporting crime, and the higher standards of the city enforced by the Building Inspector’s code enforcers. An invitation was made for everyone to attend Officers’ Night Out August 1, 2017 at 6 PM at the TPA Park.

FIRE DEPARTMENT: John Kirby, Fire Chief, asked for the approval of Blake Ayer’s promotion to first class Firefighter, stating that he has met all requirements. Jim Siegfried made a motion to approve the promotion. Ken Estes seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

John informed the board that the spare tools are not compatible with other engines. A Honda power unit will be purchased for $500 to be put on the spare engine, with the benefit of making everything compatible. The purchase is set to be paid out of equipment repairs.

John Kirby informed the board that CF Industries had volunteered to pay for two firefighters to attend a 32 hour class on ammonia in California. The only costs incurred would be travel, food, and hotel stays. Jim Siegfried made a motion to approve to send two firefighters and thanked CF Industries. Ken Estes seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

PARKS DEPARTMENT: Park Superintendent, Joel Tatum, informed the board that the fourth of July festival went well. He thanked the Fire department, Police department, and EMS for their help. Joel Tatum gave an update on the damage caused by the storms the past couple of days. He also informed the board that the part for the gravity rail was put back into production and has been shipped out.

STREET DEPARTMENT: Street Superintendent, Jason Forsythe, thanked City Light and Power for all their help Friday night after the storm. Jason Forsythe received a letter from Todd Rokita inviting him to the Indiana Fourth Congressional District’s “Disaster Aftermath Roundtable Discussion”. Jason Forsythe stated that he is looking forward to attending with the board approval. Jim Siegfried gave Jason Forsythe approval to attend. There will be more study on the parking issue on the corner of Barner and Jackson Street.

Jason Forsythe then presented three bids to the board for downtown line striping. Bids were as follows:

BUILDING INSPECTOR: John Large asked the board to give an extension to 1352 Hawthorne Ave., stating that there was good progress being made. Ken Estes made a motion to approve a 180 day extension to 1352 Hawthorne Ave. Jim Siegfried seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0. John Large made contact with the owners of a property on McKinley Ave. June 19, 2017 will be the end of the ten days given to comply. If the owners do not comply, the issue will be moved to hearing authority. John Large is in the process of setting up title six training classes for al department heads.

RESOLUTION NO. 17-07:Les Bergum read Resolution 17-02, A Resolution Establishing Usage Fee for Old Stoney City Hall Building and Grounds. Jim Siegfried commented that the fee charge would not apply to tours of Old Stoney. Jim Siegfried made a motion to accept Resolution 17-02. Ken Estes seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

ATTORNEY: Les Bergum opened bids for demolition of 710 S. Second Street. Bids were as follows:

NEW BUSINESS: Jim Siegfried made a motion to accept the bid from Creative Inc. for downtown signs, stating that there wasn’t another company that offered the same service they were looking for. Ken Estes seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

CLAIMS: Claims were presented. Jim Siegfried made a motion to approve the claims as presented. Ken Estes seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0. The claim docket was signed.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the board Ken Estes adjourned the meeting.

Share

Share the City of Frankfort, Indiana news with your friends and neighbors.